COL (Ret.) John Ionoff, Jr.

President

Colonel John Ionoff joined the US Army, 1 September, 1955. After serving as an infantryman in the 1stCavalry Division, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Armored Div. and 172nd Infantry Brigade, (Sep) and achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was selected to attend Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, graduating 6 November, 1963.

Among his awards and decorations are the Silver Star, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star(2), Meritorious Service Medal(3), Army Commendation Medal(2), Virginia National Guard Legion of Merit, Air Medal(5), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Airborne and Air Assault Badges, and the Army General Staff Identification Badge. Colonel Ionoff was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1991. He has been designated by the Secretary of the Army, a Distinquished Member of the 47th and currently serves as the Honorary Commander of the 47th Infantry Regiment. He is also a recipient of the Order of St Maurice, Primicerius.

In addition to OCS, Colonel Ionoff attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Special Forces Officer Qualification Course, Command and General Staff College, and the Naval War College. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration from University of Nebraska, Omaha and his MA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Colonel Ionoff retired 1 December 1993 after 38 years and three months of active service. He is married to Nancy Gilliam Ionoff. They reside in Valrico, FL where they are both active with family, church and community affairs. An avid runner, Colonel Ionoff has completed 30 marathons as well as countless other distance races. In addition, he and Nancy enjoy hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail. He is past President of Apostles Lutheran Church Council, past Co-Chair of the Wolf Laurel Madison County Hospice Benefit Committee, and is currently serving as President of USAOCSAA.